Sketty properties put up for auction

COUNCIL chiefs are weighing up offers for land and buildings in Swansea, including a care home.

Parkway care home, Sketty Park, closed last December and has been put up for sale.

The council said it has had offers for the premises, while eight acres of land at the rear, off Aneurin Way, is also on the market.

Sketty councillor Steve Gallagher said he would support a sensitively-designed social housing scheme at the Aneurin Way site, although ideally he would have preferred the authority keep the assets.

“It (the land) is not that well-used,” he said. “And we’re crying out for more housing.”

He said he was concerned that the Parkway site could end up being used as access to the development land behind – a view shared by fellow ward member, Councillor Mike Day.

Asked what he would like to see happen at the vacant care home, Cllr Day said: “Maybe another care home provider who would be able to take it on and upgrade it for the needs of the community.”

Developers have meanwhile raised their hands at auction for a plot of council-owned green space on Parklands View, Sketty Park. A council spokesman described the response at last month’s auction as excellent.

The auctioneer’s website indicated a £125,000 sale price, although it is understood the sale has not completed yet.

Also in Sketty, a pair of semi-detached houses are for sale on Gower Road, near Sketty Cross.

Another site under offer is the old Gowerton Primary School, Mount Street, while council chiefs are still in discussions with Coastal Housing Group about the Pipehouse Wharf depot, Morfa Road, near the city centre.

The council is constantly reviewing its portfolio of land and assets.

The spokesman said: “Where we have sites that are surplus to requirement then we look to sell them on to generate money to reinvest back into vital services for the benefit of residents.

“This is especially important at this time as the council continues to face unprecedented financial challenges due to austerity.”

The council’s website also lists industrial units and workshops for sale or lease, plus a one-acre plot near the Liberty Stadium on Alamein Road.

Coming up at auction next month is a candidate housing site for 20 homes on Frederick Place, Llansamlet, but it’s too late if you were keen on Norton Lodge Day Centre, Mumbles, as it’s sold subject to contract.

The council owns more than 6,000 acres of land, and has been exploring ways of increasing lease revenue.

It is currently considering options for the potential development of seafront sites at Sketty Lane, Blackpill Lido, the West Cross skate park area and two of the Langland tennis courts.

But it has pressed pause on proposals to create a 42-home development at Home Farm, Singleton Park, which would result in the restoration of the grade two-listed farmhouse building.

A cross-party group is being set up to look at other viable options for the depot, near Sketty Lane.